Linear projects, such as highways, pipelines and railroad construction (track laying) are generally public-funded infrastructure projects that are large in terms of capital investment. Earthmoving operations represent a major bid item on this class of projects, thus minimizing their cost would ensure efficient utilisation of taxpayers' dollars. In preparing their bid for earthmoving operations, contractors estimate the quantities of cut and fill required to bring the terrain to the required grade. However, mere calculation of separate cut and fill quantities doesn't provide all the required information; the distribution of earthwork, or earthmoving plan, which involves the quantity, direction and haul distance is essential for estimating earthmoving costs. Considerable time and effort are expended in this process. This article briefly presents a model designed to automate acquisition and analysis of spatial data for linear projects. The model employs geographic information systems (GIS) to acquire terrain data and generates three-dimensional digital terrain models representing the ground topography and final embankment. The model accounts for variations in swell and shrinkage factors of different soil types when estimating cut and fill quantities. The presence of transverse obstructions, such as rivers and existing highways/railroads and their impact on the earthmoving plan is also accounted for. The main features of the model are presented below.
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